The disclosures herein relate generally to expandable tubulars and more particularly to an expandable tubular lubrication.
Tubular members are typically expanded by forcing expansion devices through them along their lengths, which requires a large amount of force. Efforts to reduce the amount of force necessary to expand the tubular member have involved supplying lubrication between the expansion device and the inner surface of the tubular member. Present techniques includes lubricating the inner surface of the tubular member along with supplying oil between the expansion device and the inner surface by way of a oil delivery mechanism coupled to the expansion device. These oil delivery systems increase the complexity and cost of the process.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an expandable tubular lubrication absent the disadvantages found in the prior methods discussed above.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a lubricant is provided comprising a lubricating substrate and a plurality of capsules in the lubricating substrate, the plurality of capsules containing a lubricating material.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an expandable tubular member is provided comprising a tubular member comprising an inner surface, a lubricating substrate coupled to the inner surface, and a plurality of capsules in the lubricating substrate, the plurality of capsules containing a lubricating material.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an expandable tubular member is provided comprising a tubular member comprising an inner surface and a means for selectively releasing a lubricating material adjacent the inner surface, the means for selectively releasing a lubricating material coupled to the inner surface.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for lubricating an expandable tubular member is provided comprising providing an expandable tubular member comprising an inner surface, coupling a lubricating substrate to the inner surface, the lubricating substrate comprising a plurality of capsules containing a lubricating material, and selectively releasing the lubricating material adjacent the inner surface.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a lubricant is provided comprising a dry film lubricant and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed throughout the dry film lubricant and each comprising a semi-hard shelled material containing an oil, the semi-hard shelled material operable to open under pressure and release the oil.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an expandable tubular member is provided comprising a tubular member comprising an inner surface, a dry film lubricant coupled to the inner surface, and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed through the dry film lubricant and each comprising a semi-hard shelled material containing an oil, the semi-hard shelled material operable to open under pressure and release the oil.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an expandable tubular member is provided comprising a tubular member comprising an inner surface, a means for reducing friction on the inner surface coupled to the inner surface, and a means for selectively releasing a lubricating material in the means for reducing friction on the inner surface.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for expanding an expandable tubular member is provided comprising providing an expandable tubular member comprising an inner surface, applying a film of lubricant that dries to the inner surface, the film of lubricant comprising a plurality of microcapsules, the plurality of microcapsules each comprising a semi-hard shelled material containing an oil, positioning the expandable tubular member in a well bore, expanding the expandable tubular member by moving an expansion device through the expandable tubular member, opening the semi-hard shelled material to release the oil between the expansion device and the inner surface as the expansion device moves through the expandable tubular member.
a is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member.
b is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the expandable tubular member of
a is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for lubricating an expandable tubular member.
b is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the expandable tubular member of
c is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the expandable tubular member of
d is a close up cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the expandable tubular member of
e is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an expansion device positioned in and moved through the expandable tubular member of
f is a close up cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the expansion device and expandable tubular member of
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When selecting a lubricating material 104 for the method 400 for lubricating the interface between the expansion device 406 and the expandable tubular member 300 during the expansion process, the lubricating material 104 may be any media that may assist in reducing the friction between the expansion device 406a and the expandable tubular member 300, including any fluidic material. Several factors may be considered, including the coefficient of friction between the expansion device 406a and the expandable tubular member 300, the size and complexity of the expansion device 406a, and the length of the expandable tubular member 300. The lubricating material 104 may include wet lubricants and/or solid lubricants. It is expected that the lubricating material 104 typically needs to withstand at least 5000 psi of pressure.
In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material 104 for the method 400 for lubricating the interface between the expansion device 406 and the expandable tubular member 300 during the expansion process may include, for example, conventional commercial lubricants (natural and synthetic), working hydraulic fluid mud currently used in expandable tubular systems, and working hydraulic fluid mud blended with solid lubricants to improve lubricity. In an exemplary embodiment, a lithium based (non-synthetic) multipurpose grease combined with a solid lubricant may be used as the lubricant. In an exemplary embodiment, a grease lubricant for this application may be composed of a solid lubricant in a moderately high temperature resistant thickener. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricant may have at least 10% Graphite or 10% Molybdenum Disulfide in a thickener with a dropping point above 350-400 F. In an exemplary embodiment, lubricating material 104 used in method 400 may include any or all of the following:
Exemplary embodiments of the lubricating material 104 for the method 400 for lubricating the interface between the expansion device 406 and the expandable tubular member 300 during the expansion process may consist of the following component in the weight percentages indicated:
The lubricating material 104 may optionally contain various other additives, or mixture thereof, in order to improve the basic properties. In an exemplary embodiment, these further additives may include other antioxidants, metal deactivators, viscosity improvers, extreme-pressure additives, pour-point depressants, antifoam agents, dispersants, detergents, corrosion inhibitors, emulsifiers, demulsifiers and friction modifiers.
Exemplary experiments have shown that the lubricating material 104 identified in the table below, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, and H7, identified by the specified components in the weight percentages and the component manufactures and/or distributors indicated may perform in a system for lubricating the interface between an expansion cone and a tubular member:
A lubricant has been described that includes a lubricating substrate and a plurality of capsules in the lubricating substrate, the plurality of capsules containing a lubricating material. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating substrate comprises a dry film lubricant. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of capsules comprise a plurality of microcapsules. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of capsules comprise a plurality of nanocapsules. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of capsules comprise a semi-hard shell material. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of capsules are operable to open under pressure and release the lubricating material. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of capsules are dispersed throughout the lubricating substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material comprises an oil. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating substrate is operable to reduce friction on a surface while holding the plurality of capsules adjacent the surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating substrate is selected from the group consisting of 20%-26% Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 20%-25 % Titanium dioxide, 4-15% Polytetraflouro ethylene, 40-50% Alkyd Resin CAS, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material is selected from the group consisting of 64.25-90.89% base oil, 0.02-0.05% metal deactivator, 0.5-3.0% antioxidants, 4-12%, sulfurized natural oils, 4-12% phosphate ester, 0.4-1.5% phosphoric acid, 0.08-1.5% viscosity modifier, 0.1-0.5% pour-point depressant, 0.01-0.2% defoamer, 0-5% carboxylic acid soaps, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material is selected from the group consisting of H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, and combinations thereof.
A expandable tubular member has been described that includes a tubular member comprising an inner surface, a lubricating substrate coupled to the inner surface, and a plurality of capsules in the lubricating substrate, the plurality of capsules containing a lubricating material. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating substrate comprises a dry film lubricant. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of capsules comprise a plurality of microcapsules. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of capsules comprise a plurality of nanocapsules. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of capsules comprise a semi-hard shell material. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of capsules are operable to open under pressure and release the lubricating material adjacent the inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of capsules are dispersed throughout the lubricating substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material comprises an oil. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating substrate is operable to reduce friction on the inner surface while holding the plurality of capsules adjacent the inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, an expansion device is positioned in the tubular member and adjacent the inner surface, the expansion device operable to open capsules to provide the lubricating material between the expansion device and the inner surface while the expansion device expands the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular member is positioned in a well bore. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is a wellbore casing. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is a structural support. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is a pipeline. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating substrate is selected from the group consisting of 20%-26% Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 20%-25 % Titanium dioxide, 4-15% Polytetraflouro ethylene, 40-50% Alkyd Resin CAS, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material is selected from the group consisting of 64.25-90.89% base oil, 0.02-0.05% metal deactivator, 0.5-3.0% antioxidants, 4-12%, sulfurized natural oils, 4-12% phosphate ester, 0.4-1.5% phosphoric acid, 0.08-1.5% viscosity modifier, 0.1-0.5% pour-point depressant, 0.01-0.2% defoamer, 0-5% carboxylic acid soaps, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material is selected from the group consisting of H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, and combinations thereof.
A expandable tubular member has been described that includes a tubular member comprising an inner surface, and means for selectively releasing a lubricating material adjacent the inner surface, the means for selectively releasing a lubricating material coupled to the inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the member further includes means for reducing friction on the inner surface and for coupling the means for selectively releasing a lubricating material to the inner surface, the means for reducing friction positioned on the inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the member further includes means for expanding the tubular member and for initiating the means for selectively releasing a lubricating material to release the lubricating material, the means for expanding positioned in the tubular member and adjacent the inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is positioned in a well bore. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is a wellbore casing. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is a structural support. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is a pipeline. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for reducing friction is selected from the group consisting of 20%-26% Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 20%-25% Titanium dioxide, 4-15% Polytetraflouro ethylene, 40-50% Alkyd Resin CAS, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material is selected from the group consisting of 64.25-90.89% base oil, 0.02-0.05% metal deactivator, 0.5-3.0% antioxidants, 4-12%, sulfurized natural oils, 4-12% phosphate ester, 0.4-1.5% phosphoric acid, 0.08-1.5% viscosity modifier, 0.1-0.5% pour-point depressant, 0.01-0.2% defoamer, 0-5% carboxylic acid soaps, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material is selected from the group consisting of H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, and combinations thereof.
A method for lubricating an expandable tubular member has been described that includes providing an tubular member comprising an inner surface, coupling a lubricating substrate to the inner surface, the lubricating substrate comprising a plurality of capsules containing a lubricating material, and selectively releasing the lubricating material adjacent the inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling a lubricating substrate to the inner surface comprises applying a film of lubricant that dries to the inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the film of lubricant comprises the plurality of capsules. In an exemplary embodiment, the selectively releasing the lubricating material adjacent the inner surface comprises opening the capsules to release the lubricating material. In an exemplary embodiment, the selectively releasing the lubricating material adjacent the inner surface comprises expanding the tubular member with an expansion device, whereby the expansion device opens the capsules to release the lubricating material between the expansion device and the inner surface as the expansion device expands the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes positioning the tubular member in a well bore. In an exemplary embodiment, the providing an tubular member comprises providing a wellbore casing. In an exemplary embodiment, the providing an tubular member comprises providing a structural support. In an exemplary embodiment, the providing an tubular member comprises providing a pipeline. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating substrate is selected from the group consisting of 20%-26% Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 20%-25% Titanium dioxide, 4-15% Polytetraflouro ethylene, 40-50% Alkyd Resin CAS, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material is selected from the group consisting of 64.25-90.89% base oil, 0.02-0.05% metal deactivator, 0.5-3.0% antioxidants, 4-12%, sulfurized natural oils, 4-12% phosphate ester, 0.4-1.5% phosphoric acid, 0.08-1.5% viscosity modifier, 0.1-0.5% pour-point depressant, 0.01-0.2% defoamer, 0-5% carboxylic acid soaps, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material is selected from the group consisting of H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, and combinations thereof.
A lubricant has been described that includes a dry film lubricant, and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed throughout the dry film lubricant and each comprising a semi-hard shelled material containing an oil, the semi-hard shelled material operable to open under pressure and release the oil. In an exemplary embodiment, the dry film lubricant is operable to reduce friction on a surface while holding the plurality of microcapsules adjacent the surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the dry film lubricant is selected from the group consisting of 20%-26% Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 20%-25% Titanium dioxide, 4-15% Polytetraflouro ethylene, 40-50% Alkyd Resin CAS, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the oil is selected from the group consisting of 64.25-90.89% base oil, 0.02-0.05% metal deactivator, 0.5-3.0% antioxidants, 4-12%, sulfurized natural oils, 4-12% phosphate ester, 0.4-1.5% phosphoric acid, 0.08-1.5% viscosity modifier, 0.1-0.5% pour-point depressant, 0.01-0.2% defoamer, 0-5% carboxylic acid soaps, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the oil is selected from the group consisting of H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, and combinations thereof.
A expandable tubular member has been described that includes a tubular member comprising an inner surface, a dry film lubricant coupled to the inner surface, and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed through the dry film lubricant and each comprising a semi-hard shelled material containing an oil, the semi-hard shelled material operable to open under pressure and release the oil. In an exemplary embodiment, the dry film lubricant is operable to reduce friction on the inner surface while holding the plurality of microcapsules adjacent the inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the member further includes an expansion device positioned in the tubular member and adjacent the inner surface, the expansion device operable to open the semi-hard shelled material to provide the lubricating material between the expansion device and the inner surface while the expansion device expands the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is positioned in a well bore. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is a wellbore casing. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is a structural support. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is a pipeline. In an exemplary embodiment, the dry film lubricant is selected from the group consisting of 20%-26% Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 20%-25% Titanium dioxide, 4-15% Polytetraflouro ethylene, 40-50% Alkyd Resin CAS, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the oil is selected from the group consisting of 64.25-90.89% base oil, 0.02-0.05% metal deactivator, 0.5-3.0% antioxidants, 4-12%, sulfurized natural oils, 4-12% phosphate ester, 0.4-1.5% phosphoric acid, 0.08-1.5% viscosity modifier, 0.1-0.5% pour-point depressant, 0.01-0.2% defoamer, 0-5% carboxylic acid soaps, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the oil is selected from the group consisting of H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, and combinations thereof.
A expandable tubular member has been described that includes a tubular member comprising an inner surface, means for reducing friction on the inner surface coupled to the inner surface, and means for selectively releasing a lubricating material in the means for reducing friction on the inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the member further includes means for expanding the tubular member and for initiating the release of the lubricating material from the means for selectively releasing a lubricating material, the means for expanding positioned in the tubular member and adjacent the inner surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member is positioned in a well bore. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for reducing friction is selected from the group consisting of 20%-26% Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 20%-25% Titanium dioxide, 4-15% Polytetraflouro ethylene, 40-50% Alkyd Resin CAS, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material is selected from the group consisting of 64.25-90.89% base oil, 0.02-0.05% metal deactivator, 0.5-3.0% antioxidants, 4-12%, sulfurized natural oils, 4-12% phosphate ester, 0.4-1.5% phosphoric acid, 0.08-1.5% viscosity modifier, 0.1-0.5% pour-point depressant, 0.01-0.2% defoamer, 0-5% carboxylic acid soaps, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricating material is selected from the group consisting of H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, and combinations thereof.
A method for expanding an expandable tubular member has been described that includes providing a tubular member comprising an inner surface, applying a film of lubricant that dries to the inner surface, the film of lubricant comprising a plurality of microcapsules, the plurality of microcapsules each comprising a semi-hard shelled material containing an oil, positioning the tubular member in a well bore, expanding the tubular member by moving an expansion device through the tubular member, opening the semi-hard shelled material to release the oil between the expansion device and the inner surface as the expansion device moves through the tubular member.
It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part some or all of the illustrated embodiments.
Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of the embodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of PCT/US2005/043122 filed on Nov. 29, 2005, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/631,703, attorney docket number 25791.326, filed on Nov. 30, 2004, the disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference. This application is also a continuation in part of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/571,041 filed Sep. 7, 2004 and a continuation in part of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/784,679 filed Feb. 23, 2004. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/600679, attorney docket number 25791.194, filed on Aug. 11, 2004, the disclosure, which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/585370, attorney docket number 25791.299, filed on Sep. 2, 2004, the disclosure, which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/500435, attorney docket number 25791.304, filed on Sep. 5, 2003, the disclosure, which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/500435, attorney docket number 25791.305, filed on Sep. 5, 2003, the disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/500435, attorney docket number 25791.306, filed on Sep. 2, 2003, the disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/500435, attorney docket number 25791.307, filed on Sep. 5, 2003, the disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/500435, attorney docket number 25791.308, filed on Sep. 5, 2003, the disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/598020, attorney docket number 25791.329, filed on Aug. 2, 2004, the disclosure, which is incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/601502, attorney docket number 25791.338, filed on Aug. 13, 2004, the disclosure, which is incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to the following co-pending applications: (1) U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, attorney docket no. 25791.7.02, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,702, filed on Feb. 25, 1999, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, attorney docket no. 25791.8.02, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/119,611, filed on Feb. 11, 1999, (4) U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, attorney docket number 25791.9.02, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. 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PCT/US04/06246, attorney docket no. 25791.238.02, filed on Feb. 26, 2004,(123) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/08170, attorney docket number 25791.40.02, filed on Mar. 15, 2004, (124) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/08171, attorney docket number 25791.236.02, filed on Mar. 15, 2004, (125) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/08073, attorney docket number 25791.262.02, filed on Mar. 18, 2004, (126) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/07711, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. 11, 2004, (127) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/009434, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, (128) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, (129) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 7, 2004, (130) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, (131) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/011973, attorney docket number 25791.277.02, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, (132) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. 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No. 60/500,435 attorney docket number 25791.304, filed on Sep. 5, 2003,(134) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/027318, attorney docket number 25791.329.02, filed on Jul. 29, 2005; (135) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028936, attorney docket number 25791.338.02, filed on Aug. 12, 2005; (136) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028669, attorney docket number 25791.194.02, filed on Aug. 11, 2005; (137) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028453, attorney docket number 25791.371, filed on Aug. 11, 2005; (138) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028641, attorney docket number 25791.372, filed on Aug. 11, 2005; (139) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028819, attorney docket number 25791.373, filed on Aug. 11, 2005; (140) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028446, attorney docket number 25791.374, filed on Aug. 11, 2005; (141) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028642, attorney docket number 25791.375, filed on Aug. 11, 2005; (142) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028451, attorney docket number 25791.376, filed on Aug. 11, 2005, and (143). PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028473, attorney docket number 25791.377, filed on Aug. 11, 2005, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 10571041 | Nov 2006 | US |
Child | 11754190 | May 2007 | US |
Parent | 10784679 | Feb 2004 | US |
Child | 11754190 | May 2007 | US |